Spartan is returning to Abu Dhabi for the 2022 Spartan World Championship, as the best obstacle course racers on the globe will take on a challenging new course in a new location, Al Wathba, on Dec. 2-4.

This is the second year that Abu Dhabi will host the Spartan World Championship, but it will be the first at Al Wathba, a luxury desert resort and spa. The venue is located about 30 minutes outside of Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi International Airport, providing a convenient location for both local and international competitors and participants. The spectacular course will feature iconic desert terrain and vast sand dune trails.

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Races for Every Level of Spartan Athlete

The best Spartan athletes, who will qualify for the event throughout the season, will compete in the men’s and women’s individual World Championship Super on Saturday, Dec. 3, vying for more than $125,000 in total prize money. The Team World Championship Super will be held on Sunday, Dec. 4.

But the event isn’t just for the Elites.

The Age Group World Championship Beast and Open Beast will take place on Saturday, and there will be an Open Team Super, Open Super, Open Sprint, and Open Kids race on Sunday, giving all Spartans the opportunity to test their mettle on the World Championship stage or participate as a family.

More Championship Events: The Spartan Ultra World Championship

“We’re excited to be back in Abu Dhabi after an unreal first year in the desert," Spartan founder and CEO Joe De Sena said. "We’re putting together a new course that will be one of our hardest yet. Whoever leaves with the title is going to earn it. But just as important is the opportunity for all our Spartans to challenge themselves on the same course as the Elites. I

"If you join us in Abu Dhabi, you’ll leave a different person. You’ll unlock your physical and mental potential."

Athletes in the Elite and competitive Age Group divisions can qualify through race series held in 14 countries, two regional championships, or at various wild card events throughout the year. Athletes must reach certain qualifying standards that involve both overall place and finish within a certain time of the winner.

No qualification is necessary for the Open Beast (21K, 30 obstacles), Open Team Super, Open Super (10K, 25 obstacles), or Open Kids heats.

“It was a great honor and prestige for Abu Dhabi to host the Spartan World Championship," Abu Dhabi Sports Council General Secretary Aref Hamad Al Awani said, "and we are absolutely thrilled the endurance event is returning to the capital city for the second time in two years. This event allows the elite athletes — as well as participants at all levels, from men, women, and the juniors — to compete. It encourages and creates awareness among the community to lead an active lifestyle to prepare for the competition.

More Championship Events: The Spartan North American Championship

“We are also delighted to announce the 2022 Spartan World Championship will take place at a new venue, at Al Wathba, to provide the participants an exciting and breathtaking desert terrain in another part of Abu Dhabi.”

The weekend begins on Friday, Dec. 2, with National Day celebrations to welcome athletes and their families.

The Schedule of Events

On Saturday, racing begins with the Age Group World Championship Beast. It will be followed by the Open Beast, and then the World Championship Super in the evening.

Sunday features the Open Super, Open Sprint, and Open Kids races of varying distances. Sunday also includes the Team World Championship Super and the Open Team Super, an event first introduced in 2017.

A Look Back at the 2021 Spartan World Championship

In 2021, Canadian power couple Ryan Atkins and Lindsay Webster topped the podium in Abu Dhabi. Atkins finished in 2:13:40 to take the men’s World Championship Beast, while Webster finished in 2:38:54 to win the women’s World Championship Beast. In the team competition, France edged out Russia and Canada in 1:09:39 to win the Super 10K, 25-obstacle World Championship Team race.